The Crusoe data center project has secured final approval in Wyoming, clearing the way for one of the largest AI-focused infrastructure developments in North America. Officials in Laramie County unanimously approved Project Jade, paving the path for construction of a large-scale data center campus alongside new natural gas–fired power generation near Cheyenne.
The plan includes an artificial intelligence data center proposed by Denver-based Crusoe Energy Systems, supported by energy infrastructure from Tallgrass Energy. Together, the facilities will use up to 2.7 gigawatts of self-generated power, nearly three times Wyoming’s current statewide electricity demand. That figure also surpasses the 1.8 gigawatts the companies announced last summer.
Crusoe Data Center Project Anchors New Industrial Park
The Crusoe data center project will anchor the newly approved Switchgrass Industrial Park, a nearly 1,400-acre development authorized in October. Planning documents show the campus will cover about 600 acres. Developers plan to construct five data center buildings, two support facilities, and related infrastructure.
Tallgrass Energy will build the adjacent BFC Power and Cheyenne Power Hub on roughly 659 acres. The site will house two natural gas–fired power plants and associated systems. Tallgrass project director Raymon Williams said the energy infrastructure alone represents an investment of about $7 billion. Developers expect total capital spending for the data center campus to exceed $50 billion.
The project will operate under a “bring your own power” model. Instead of relying on local utilities, the campus will generate energy on-site. This approach aims to reduce strain on existing power and water systems.
Local Concerns Raised During Approval Process
Despite unanimous approval, the Crusoe data center project sparked local concern over environmental impact, water use, and the loss of open land currently used as pasture. Developers responded by outlining plans to protect drinking water through deep aquifer wells and to limit consumption with closed-loop cooling systems. County officials cited these commitments as key reasons for advancing the project.
State leaders also framed the development as a strategic asset. Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon’s office backed the project, pointing to its economic and national security value. The governor’s chief of staff, Drew Perkins, said federal officials view AI infrastructure as essential to maintaining U.S. leadership amid growing competition with China. County board chair Gunnar Malm echoed that position, linking the campus to Cheyenne’s long-standing defense role and its proximity to Francis E. Warren Air Force Base.
Power Generation Designed to Scale With AI Demand
The Crusoe data center project emphasizes long-term scalability. Planning filings show the power hub will combine natural gas–fired generation with Bloom Energy fuel cells. Operators chose this mix to support high-density AI workloads while maintaining operational flexibility.
Officials said the campus could eventually scale to as much as 10 gigawatts of capacity. Any expansion, however, would require additional power generation and further approvals. For now, the approved phase establishes one of the largest self-powered AI data center developments in the United States.
